Portable storage system

ABSTRACT

A storage system for a seating unit comprising storage means having first and second pannier portions for storing articles. The storage system has securing means in the form of at least one strip of material extending between said pannier portions for securing said storage means to said seating unit. Each pannier portion is arranged to depend from the securing means on a respective side of the seating unit in use and the strip of material is selectively securable around a portion of the seating unit. The strip of material comprises releasable fastening means such that the strip can be passed around the seating unit dining use and selectively fastened together so as to form of a closed loop about said seating unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a-d) to GreatBritain Patent Application No. 0617324.9, filed Sep. 2, 2006, whichapplication is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable storage system for a seatingunit such as, but not limited to, a sun bed, sun lounger, otherrecliner, deck chair or the like.

It is well known for sunbathers and the like to take a variety ofarticles with them both to provide entertainment or distraction whilstsunbathing, and for practical reasons. Typically, for example, asunbather may have a media player such as an mp3 player, CD player,IPOD®, hand held games console, or the like for providing entertainment.The sunbather may also have reading material such as a book, magazine,and/or newspapers, a cold drink for avoiding dehydration, sun lotion,money, a digital camera, jewelry, sunglasses, etc.

The convenient storage of such articles, whilst sun bathing, is a knownproblem.

Typically, articles are left on the ground such as hot concrete by aswimming pool, or on a sandy beach near the sea. Alternatively thearticles may be stored haphazardly in a bag. However, in both casesthere is a significant risk of the articles becoming damaged or beingstolen. Portable electronic devices in particular are attractive tothieves since they are often lightweight and high in value. Furthermorethieves can easily steal an article whilst the sunbather is distractedor asleep.

Where the articles are left on the ground, for example, they are easilykicked or trodden on, and hence damaged by a passer-by. They alsorepresent a health and safety hazard because the passer-by might beinjured as a result of treading on/tripping over an article.Additionally, electronic articles and especially those withmechanical/electro-mechanical parts can become damaged by sand, water,and or radiation from the sun.

Storage in a bag is preferable but the articles remain at risk of damageduring transit and while a user is looking through the contents of thebag. Additionally, the bag itself along with its contents is still atsignificant risk of theft while a user is asleep/distracted.

Known storage systems for chairs and the like generally comprise rigidbox-like structures which are fixed to the chair and which are notportable without the chair itself.

The present invention provides a portable storage system for a seatingunit such as a sun bed, sun lounger, other recliner, deck chair or thelike, which mitigates the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided,a storage system for a seating unit such as a sun bed, sun lounger,other recliner, deck chair or the like the storage system comprising:

storage means for storing articles; and securing means for securing saidstorage means to said seating unit; wherein said securing means issecurable around a portion of said seating unit such that said storagemeans are accessible to a user; and wherein said storage means comprisesat least two pannier portions, each pannier portion arranged to dependfrom the attachment portion on a respective side of said seating unit.

The present invention is particularly advantageous since the storagesystem can be attached to and removed from the seating unit as required.Thus the storage system is not specific to any single seating unit andcan be carried by a user for use in conjunction with a variety ofseating units as and when required by the user. The user can thereforeuse the storage system in a manner similar to that of a conventionalcarrier or bag when carrying articles to a desired location and cansubsequently attach the storage system to the seating unit.

Furthermore the present invention is advantageous since the elongatesecuring means passes around the seating unit, typically around theportion of a seating unit which is configured to support the weight of auser, such as the seat itself. Thus when the user is sitting or lying onthe seating unit, it is difficult to remove the storage system withoutfirst dislodging the user. Hence it is difficult for a thief to removethe storage system without alerting the user.

According to a preferred embodiment, the securing means comprises afirst strip of material which is attached at one end to the firstpannier and at an opposing end to the second cannier. Preferably thesecuring means comprises a second strip which is releasably attachablebetween the first and second pannier portions.

During use, the first strip can pass around a first side of a seatingunit and the second strip can be passed around a second side of theseating unit and fastened to form a closed loop around the seating unit.The second strip can be detached, breaking the closed loop, when it isrequired to remove the storage system from the seating unit. Typicallythe first and second strips can be passed respectively above and below aportion of the seating unit.

According to a preferred embodiment the first and second pannierportions comprise opposing attachment means so as to allow the pannierportions to be selectively fastened together when the storage system isremoved from the seating unit. This makes the storage system easy tocarry by a user. The attachment means may be located along one edge,along a pair of edges, or else around the perimeter of each pannierportion.

Preferably either or both of the first or second strips of materialprovide a strap, such as for example a shoulder strap, for carrying thestorage system. In one embodiment, the strip which acts as a shoulderstrap may be attached to different locations on each of the first andsecond pannier portions. The strip may be attached towards opposingedges of the pannier portions.

Each pannier portion may have a pair of opposing major faces which maybe substantially rectangular in shape. A first face of each pannierportion may be provided with pockets, pouches and/or flaps for selectiveaccess to one or more internal pockets of the pannier. A second face ofeach pannier may be provided with attachment means for attachment to thesecond face of the opposing pannier portion when the storage system isconfigured to be carried by a user. Attachment means may additionally oralternatively be provided on the securing means adjacent the pannierportions.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provideda storage system for selective attachment to a seating unit comprising:storage means comprising first and second pannier portions, each pannierportion having fastening means for releasable fastening of the pannierportions together; and, securing means in the form of first and secondstrips of material, wherein the storage system is arranged to beconvertible between a first format in which the first and second pannierportions are fastened together by way of said fastening means and asecond format in which the first and second pannier portions are spacedapart such that the securing means extends therebetween, and wherein atleast one of the first and second strips is releasable such that thestrips can be passed around a seating unit and fastened to form a closedloop around said seating unit such that the pannier portions aresecurable to the seating unit in the second condition.

Typically the pannier portions depend from respective sides of theseating unit when secured thereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, withreference to the attached figures in which:

FIG. 1 a shows a perspective view of a storage system according to theinvention;

FIG. 1 b shows a perspective view of the storage system of FIG. 1 whensecured to a seating unit;

FIG. 2 shows a side view of a pannier portion of the storage system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of a pannierportion;

FIG. 4 shows a view of the opposite side of the pannier of either FIG. 2or FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a storage system according to thepresent invention in a portable condition; and,

FIG. 6 shows a side view of one of the pannier portions of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In FIG. 1 a a storage system is shown generally at 10. The storagesystem is intended for use with a sun bed, sun lounger, other reclineror the like. One type of sun lounger is shown at 11 in FIG. 1 b. It willbe appreciated, however, that the system could also be used with otherseating units, such as deck chairs, other outdoor chairs etc. Thestorage system comprises storage means 12 for storing articles, andsecuring means 14 for securing the storage means 12 to the seating unit.

The storage means 12 comprises a pair of pannier portions 16, each ofwhich includes a plurality of storage pockets 20, 22, 24, 26 for storingarticles of different shapes, sizes and configurations. In theembodiment shown, the pannier portions 16 are of substantially identicalconfiguration, which is described in relation to FIGS. 2 to 4 below.However, it will be appreciated that each pannier portion could have adifferent arrangement of storage pockets, or the like.

The securing means 14 comprises first 50 and second 52 portions in theform of opposing strips of material.

The first portion 50 is configured for support by an upper surface ofthe seating unit 11 in operation as can be seen in FIG. 2 and comprisesa plurality of generally parallel strips 54, typically havingsubstantially equal length. Either end of each strip 54 is respectivelysecured to the upper edge 36 of the back 30 of a corresponding pannierportion 16. The strips 54 may be formed from any suitable textilematerial such as a webbing or the like but are preferably formed of anelastically stretchable material to allow use with chairs of differentwidths, and to allow a tight fit when secured around the seating unit inoperation.

The length of the strips 54 is such that, in operation when the firstportion 50 extends transversely across an upper surface of, and issupported by, the seating unit, each pannier portion 16 depends from arespective side of the seating unit for access by a userseated/reclining on the unit. Thus each pannier hangs over the opposingedges of the seat.

The number of strips 54, width and elasticity are configured such thatin operation when the pockets contain articles, the weight of thepockets do not cause the first portion 50 of the attachment means tooverstretch significantly, for example in a manner which causes thepockets to touch the ground. It will be appreciated that whilst threestrips are shown and a plurality of strips described any suitable numberof strips 54 may be provided including a single strip of suitable widthand elasticity. In an embodiment which makes use of a single strip, thewidth of the strip would preferably be increased to extend substantiallyacross the width of the panniers. Such a strips may be formed of a meshor net type material which is lightweight, small in volume and whichdoes not absorb a significant volume of moisture.

The second portion 52 of the attachment portion 14 is configured toextend around an underside of the seating unit and comprises first andsecond material strips 56, 58 which may or may not be elasticallystretchable. One end of each strip 56, 58, is secured to the upper edge36 of a corresponding pannier portion 16. It can be seen in FIG. 1 thateach strip 56, 58 is attached to the right hand side of the upper edgeof each respective pannier such that, when the panniers are turned toface away from each other, the strips 56, 58 in fact depend fromopposing sides of the storage means 12.

The opposite end of each strip portion 56, 58 are each provided withmutually engageable fastening means 60, 62, for fixing the respectiveopposite ends to one another, in operation, to secure the securing means14 around the seating unit, thereby securing the pannier portions 16 ina position accessible to the user. The fastening means 60, 62, comprisesrespective hook and eye pads of a material fastener of the type soldunder the Velcro® trade mark or the like. Alternatively, or additionallythe fastening means could comprise any suitable means, for example,mutually engageable clip portions, poppers, buttons/button holes orother conventional fasteners which will be familiar to a person skilledin the art.

Whilst the above-described embodiment fastens underneath the seat, it isalso possible that the strip portions 56, 58 could fasten above the seatwith the strips 54 passing therebeneath.

Additionally a single strip 56 could be provided in place of the pair ofopposing strip portions 56, 58. In such an embodiment, the fasteningmeans may be provided at an end of the strip such that the strip can beselectively fastened or detached from one of the pannier portions.

In such an embodiment, the or each pannier may be provided with a loopor eye formation. The strip may be provided with a hook or clipformation at one or both ends thereof such that the strip can beselectively clipped and unclipped from the or each pannier. Whenfastening means are provided at either end of the strip, the strip maybe detached from both panniers and stored within one pannier. In such anembodiment, smaller handles or straps may be provided on one or bothpannier portions such that the storage system can be carried in a mannersimilar to that of a handbag or briefcase.

It will be appreciated that while the material of the first and secondportions are described as being elastically stretchable, and that such aconfiguration is preferable for providing flexibility, the material neednot be elastically stretchable.

Alternatively, or additionally, the first and second portions 50, 52,may be adjustable in length, beyond that provided by any natural elasticstretchability of the corresponding material. Each strip 54 of the firstportion 50 may, for example, be provided with an adjustor buckle throughwhich the strip 54 passes to allow the length the strip to be adjusted.Similarly one or both strips 56 of the second portion 52 may be providedwith an adjustor buckle through which the corresponding strip 56 passesto allow the length the strip 56 to be adjusted. It will be appreciatedthat where adjustor buckles are used each adjustable strip 54, 56, maycomprise a plurality of material sections arranged to provide theadjustability.

As seen in FIG. 2, each pannier portion 16 comprises a generallyrectangular main pocket 20, on the front of which the other pockets 22,24, 26 are formed, The main pocket 20 has the general form of a carriersimilar in shape and size to a record or shoulder bag. In this regardthe main pocket generally takes the form of an envelope having a rearpanel portion 30, a flexible front portion 32 and a flap portion 34extending substantially over the front portion 32. The flap 34 is joinedto the back portion 30 along an upper edge 36 thereof so as to allow themain envelope pocket 20 to be opened or closed and necessary, Theremaining pockets 22, 24, 26 comprise narrow and wide envelope pockets22, 24, and a pouch pocket 26. The pockets 22, 24, 26, are arrangedadjacent one another on the flexible front 32 of the main pocket 20, thewide envelope pocket 24 being located between the narrow envelope pocket22 and the pouch pocket 26, although any other suitable arrangement ispossible.

In the embodiment shown, the rear panel 30 is stiffened to retain itsshape although lie rear panel may also be made simply of a flexiblematerial the same as or similar to the material of the front panelportion 32. In such an embodiment, each pannier portion is substantiallyformed of a textile material such that each pannier is generallyflexible and compliant.

The narrow and wide envelope pockets 22, 24 are similar in configurationto the main pocket 20, each having a respective flap 38, 40 for closingthe pocket 22, 24. Unlike the main pocket 20, however, the flaps 38 and40 cover only an upper portion of the pockets 22 and 24 when closed. Themain flap 34 is larger in size and covers substantially the whole of thefront panel 32 when closed. This form of flap provides added securitysince the content of the pockets is hidden from view and less readilyaccessible to a passer-by. The main flap 34 has fastening means 35,which fastens with corresponding fastening means 37 on the both of thepannier, located for example on front panel. Such fastening means 35. 37may comprise hook and eye fasteners, magnetic members, poppers, buttons,clip-fit, twist-fit members or the like.

The envelope pockets 22, 24 have a flexible back formed by the flexiblefront 32 of the main pocket 20. The narrow and wide envelope pockets 22,24 are generally equal in height, relative to the orientation seen inFIG. 2. Contrastingly, the pouch pocket 26 is shorter and is preferablyapproximately half the height of the two envelope pockets 22, 24,depending on requirements. The pouch pocket may be elasticized and maybe configured to hold a can, bottle or the like.

One or more small loops 42 of material is provided adjacent the widepocket 24, above the pouch pocket 26, for receiving an arm of a pair ofsunglasses, spectacles or the like. The loop 42 has size, configurationand location such that in operation, the glasses may be hung from theloop with at least a portion of the glasses received in the pouch pocket26, for the protection of a lens or lenses thereof.

The narrow pocket 22 is further provided with an internal hidden pocket44 having fastener means 46 for opening and closing the pocket in use.The fastener means 46 may comprise any suitable means for example a zip,poppers, button/button hole or the like. The hidden pocket 44 and/or anyof the other pockets 22 or 24 may be thermally insulated such that anice pack, freeze pack, or the like, stored in the hidden pocket 44,keeps articles in the pockets cool, and is insulated from heat fromexternal sources such as, for example, the sun. The hidden pocket 44 ispreferably formed in the narrow envelope pocket 22 on the flexible front32 of tie main pocket 20.

Alternatively or additionally the hidden pocket may be used to concealvaluable items such as wallets, mobile phones, jewelry, or the like.

The pockets 20, 22, 24, 26 may be of any suitable size andconfiguration. Preferably, however, the main pocket 20 is of size andconfiguration for receiving a newspaper, magazine or the like.Accordingly, each pannier preferably may have a width of 30 to 60 cm andtypically a width of roughly 38 to 40 cm. Each pannier preferably has aheight of 20 to 40 cm and typically a height of roughly 25 to 30 cm. Thenarrow pocket 22, when provided with an ice pack is preferablyconfigured for receiving a drinks carton, bottle, can or the like. Thewide pocket 24 is preferably configured for receiving a book sun cream,CD or the like. The pouch pocket 26 is preferably configured forreceiving loose change, a media player, a watch or the like, in additionto the portion of the glasses. The hidden pocket 44 is preferablyconfigured to receive an ice pack, freeze pack, or the like.

In FIG. 3 another embodiment of a pannier portion suitable for use inthe storage system 10, is shown generally at 70. The pannier portion 70is generally similar to the pannier portion 16 described with referenceto FIG. 2, and like parts are given like reference numerals. However inthe embodiment of FIG. 3, a small additional pocket 72, is provided onthe front of the wide envelope pocket 24, in the lower right corner asviewed. The additional pocket is provide for receiving additional smallarticles 72 such as earrings, rings, other jewelry, loose change, or thelike. It will be appreciated additional pockets could be provided inthis manner on the front of any of the pockets 22, 24, 26.

In addition, the main flap 34 is smaller in dimensions than the flapshown in FIG. 2 and covers only an upper portion of the front panel. Inaddition the pouch pocket 26 has been reversed such that it is on theinside surface of the front panel. Thus the pouch pocket is locatedinside the main pocket for increased security. Any of the other pocketsmay be located on the inside of the main pocket in this manner.

Conveniently, any of the embodiments may be provided with a pouch forreceiving the storage system to form an enclosed package. The pouch maybe separate or may form an integral part of one of the pannier portions.

It will be appreciated that whilst a plurality of separate embodimentsare described the features of the embodiments are generallyinterchangeable to the extent practically possible.

FIG. 4 shows the rear of one pannier portion. The rear panel 30 isprovided with a large pocket 74 extending the full width of the panniersuitable for receiving a magazine or the like. The pannier portions areprovided with attachment means 76 arranged along m upper and lower edgethereof. The attachment means are mutually engageable with correspondingattachment means on the opposing pannier portions allowing the twopannier portions to be fixed to one another for ease of carrying thestorage system when not attached to seat.

In the embodiment shown the attachment means comprise zip portionsalthough any other conventional fastening means of the types describedabove may be used such as Velcro®, poppers, clips, buttons or the like.In another embodiment, the fasteners may be provided around the entireperiphery of the pannier portions. Additionally or else alternativelythe fasteners may be provided on the front side of the pannier portionssuch that the pockets 20, 22, 26, 28, 44 are located within asubstantially enclosed package when the panniers are fastened together.

In such an embodiment the securing means may be configured either forconcealment and storage within the enclosed package, or for use as astrap or the like to allow a user to carry the package on their shoulderas shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, the upper zips 76 of each pannier havebeen fastened together and the strips 56 and 58 pulled upwardly andattached at fasteners 60 and 62 to provide a shoulder strap. Each strip54 of the first securing portion hangs down between the pannier portionsin this configuration and provides a loop in which a towel 78 or otherarticles of clothing or possessions can be held. This is particularlyuseful when a towel of other clothing has become wet or sullied and auser does not wish to store them with their other possessions in themain pockets of the panniers.

The lower zip 76 may be fastened if the dimensions of the towel 78permit.

The manner in which the towel 78 or other articles can be supported ismore clearly 1 shown in FIG. 6. Each strip 54 is attached at the upperedge of the rear panel 30 and hangs down therefrom such that when theopposing pannier portions are attached together, each strip forms asubstantially closed loop about the towel 78.

Alternatively, or additionally, one or both the pannier portions may beprovided with handle means extending from the upper edge 36 to allow thepackage to be carried in the ha id of the user.

Typical operation of the storage system will now be described, by way ofexample only.

In typical operation the storage system pannier portions are pre-packedwith a plurality of desired articles such as sun-cream, drinks, mediaplayers, electronic games, reading material etc., by a user. Where thepannier portions are securable to one another to form a substantiallyenclosed package, the articles may be secured in the package fortransport to a desired location such as a poolside lounger or the like.Alternatively or additionally the storage system may be placed in anassociated pouch, if available, to form an enclosed package.

The storage system may then be carried to the desired location using theshoulder strap, handle means, or the like, where provided.

At the desired location any enclosed pouch is opened and the storagesystem sect red to a seating unit such as a lounger, recliner or thelike using the attachment means 14. Tie strips 54 of the first portion50 are placed over an upper surface of the seating unit and the strips56 and 58 of the second portion passed beneath it. The strips 56 and 58of the lower portion are then secured to ore another, such that theattachment means 14 forms a tight loop around the seating unit, and eachpannier portion 16 depends from the attachment means 14 on a respectiveside of the seating unit. Where adjustor means are provided, the lengthof the first and/or second portion may be adjusted to tighten the loop.

Conveniently, where the seating unit has a cushion, or the like, theattachment means may be arranged to pass over an upper surface of theframe of the seating unit but beneath the cushion for enhanced comfort,

The user then uses the seating unit and the articles within the storagesystem to the extent required. Where the user wishes to move the seatingunit, for example to take account of the movement of the sun when sunbathing, the storage system is moved along with the seating unit.

After the user has finished at the desired location the storage systemis removed with the articles remaining in place in the associatedpockets. Where provided for the system may be arranged to form a unitarypackage as described previously by securing the two pannier portions toone another and/or using an associated pouch. The storage system maythen be transported to another location as desired.

The storage system of the present invention is particularly desirablesince it closely resembles the form of a conventional carrier such as arecord bag or shoulder bag, whilst performing a useful dual purpose.This therefore avoids the stigma which is often attached to overlycumbersome carriers such as rigid boxes or the like and provides arelatively secure carrier for a user's possessions which does notsignificantly depart from the appearance of a fashion accessory.

1. A storage system for a seating unit, comprising: storage means havingfirst and second pannier portions for storing articles, and securingmeans including at least one strip of material extending between thefirst and second pannier portions for securing the storage means to theseating unit; wherein each pannier portion is arranged to depend fromthe securing means on a respective side of the seating unit in use andthe at least one strip of material is selectively securable around aportion of the seating unit; and wherein the at least one strip ofmaterial includes releasable fastening means such that the at least onestrip of material can be passed around the seating unit and releasablyfastened so as to form of a closed loop about the seating unit.
 2. Astorage system according to claim 1, wherein the securing meanscomprises a first material strip portion having first fastening means.3. A storage system according to claim 2, wherein the first fasteningmeans are fastenable to opposing fastening means provided on an opposingmaterial strip portion.
 4. A storage system according to claim 2,wherein the first fastening means are fastenable to opposing fasteningmeans provided on one of the first and second pannier portions.
 5. Astorage system according to claim 1, wherein the securing means comprisefirst and second strips of material, the first strip being configured toextend over an upper surface of the seating unit, and the second stripbeing configured to extend around an underside of the seating unit.
 6. Astorage system according to claim 5, wherein one of the first and secondmaterial strip includes opposing strip portions, each includingcorresponding fastening means attached thereto.
 7. A storage system asclaimed in claim 6, wherein the opposing strip portions are eachattached at one end to a respective one of the first and second pannierportions and each have a free end to which the fastening means isattached such that the opposing portions are fixable to one another toform a continuous loop with the other of the first or second strip.
 8. Astorage system as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and secondopposing strip portions are fixable to one another using at least one ofa hook and eye pad pair, mutually engageable clip halves, and poppermeans.
 9. A storage system according to claim 5, wherein the fasteningmeans are provided on the second strip of material.
 10. A storage systemas claimed in claim 5, wherein the first and second pannier portionsdepend from an interface between the first and second strips ofmaterial.
 11. A storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesecuring means is adjustable in length.
 12. A storage system as claimedin claim 11, wherein the strip of material is elastically stretchable.13. A storage system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the material stripincludes an adjustor buckle through which the strip passes for allowinga length of the strip to be adjusted.
 14. A storage system as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the securing means includes a plurality of stripsarranged substantially parallel to one another.
 15. A storage system asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second pannier portions areconfigured to be securable to one another to form a unitary portablecarrier for carrying articles stored therein.
 16. A storage system asclaimed in claim 15, wherein the first and second pannier portions eachinclude releasable attachment means disposed along at least one edgethereof.
 17. A storage system as claimed in claim 15, wherein thesecuring means is configured to act as a shoulder strap for carrying thecarrier.
 18. A storage system as claimed in claim 15, wherein thesecuring means includes the first and at least one further materialstrip, the first strip being configured to act as a shoulder strap forthe carrier and the at least one further strip being configured to forma substantially closed loop between the first and second pannierportions for supporting one or more articles therein during transit. 19.A storage system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first andsecond pannier portions includes a plurality of pockets of differentsizes for holding the articles.
 20. A storage system as claimed in claim19, wherein at least one of the pockets includes a large pocketextending a full width of the first or the second pannier portion, theor each remaining pocket being located on the pocket.
 21. A storagesystem as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first and secondpannier portions is substantially formed of a textile material.
 22. Astorage system as claimed in claim 21, wherein the first and secondpannier portions have a stiffened back portion.
 23. A storage system forselective attachment to a seating unit, comprising: storage meanscomprising first and second pannier portions, each of the first andsecond pannier portions including attachment means for releasablyattaching the first and second pannier portions together, and securingmeans including at least one strip of material, wherein the storagesystem is configured to be convertible between a first configuration inwhich the first and second pannier portions are releasably attachedtogether by way of the attachment means and a second configuration inwhich the first and second pannier portions are spaced apart such thatthe securing means extends therebetween, and wherein the at least onestrip of material is releasable such that the storage system isconfigured to be securable to the seating unit in the secondconfiguration by passing the strip around the seating unit andsubsequently fastening the strip so as to form a closed loop around theseating unit.